NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Highway Patrol is now accepting applications for the fall session of its Citizens’ Trooper Academy. The 10-week academies will be held in both Nashville and Knoxville. The upcoming session will mark the first academy held in Knoxville.

The first session for the Nashville class is scheduled to begin Tuesday, September 3, 2013. The Knoxville class is scheduled to begin on Thursday, September 5, 2013. Both sessions will run from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. weekly.

The Citizens’ Trooper Academy, which consists of approximately 24-30 hours of training, is designed to develop a better understanding and awareness of the Tennessee Highway Patrol as well as its parent agency, the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, in the community through a hands-on approach. Topics covered include investigations, special operations, homeland security and many other areas of the patrol.

Participants must be at least 21 years old, sign required waivers and agreements and have no criminal history. Also, citizens must be available to attend weekly three-hour sessions with no more than one absence.

Deadline for registration is August 2, 2013. Applications must be returned by that date for processing.

For more information, contact Shannon Hall at 615-251-5170.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure that our state is a safe, secure place in which to live, work and travel; enforce the law with integrity; and provide customer-focused services professionally and efficiently.